Page 39 of Kentucky Nights (Dead Man’s Ranch #1)

“Ladies and gentlemen, the moment we have all been waiting for, my friend, Kentucky Jones! He is a world champion and has countless records. It’s been a while since he has competed though, and he is going to have to brush the rust off if he wants to beat the cowgirls who were before him.

And before you go giving him shit about choosing to barrel race, you’d better remember it’s a unisex sport, and if you love it, that’s the reason to do it. Fuck everyone else.”

“There are children here!” someone yells up at the announcer’s box.

“I don’t care,” Lorcan replies, sticking his head out of the window. “They won’t be going to Hell. You know that, right? I’ve been there, and no one has ever been sent to the underworld for cursing. My gosh, humans can be so dense.”

“Okay, you’re out of here, buddy. Go sit down before we kick you out of the event.” A booming security guard’s voice blares into the microphone for all to hear.

Half the crowd claps, happy for Lorcan’s demise, while the others boo.

“I’m going, I’m going, but don’t come crawling back to me when you realize my worth.”

My lips vibrate together when I blow out a tired breath, that is all caused by Lorcan’s antics.

“Can you believe them?” He pops next to me, placing two fingers in his mouth and ripping a loud whistle. “I was doing better than the other guy. They’ll ask for me back.”

“How do you know how to announce everyone?”

“They have sheets up there. It’s easy to read.”

“Oh.” I expected more of an explanation from him. A statement of some sort about researching rodeos, best times, and competitors. I guess his reason is as good as any.

“Kentucky is up. Oh, I’m so excited. He’d better not lose. I’d have to release a pretty terrible person from Purgatory.”

I dislike how high-pitched his voice is around the words ‘pretty and terrible’. He reeks of guilt, and he hasn’t even stated what this person has done.

And you know what? I don’t want to know.

“Don’t tell me more information. Leave me in the dark this time. I already feel on alert.” As much as I want to continue to examine my surroundings, my anxiety fades when I see Kentucky in the chute.

My heart eases with our gazes locked. From here, he pinches the brim of his hat, tilting his chin. Putting his finger into a gun gesture, he kisses the tip of his index finger, aims it at me, and shoots.

I catch it, placing the phantom kiss on my lips.

“Yuck. You’re sickening. Like two teens in love,” Lorcan gags.

Ignoring him, I lean against the rails, my focus never leaving my mate. Romeo neighs, raising on his hind legs from being in the chute. Kentucky strokes his neck to calm him, bending down to whisper into Romeo’s ear. Whatever is said, the vampire horse calms to an eerie standstill.

“Kentucky Jones is riding Romeo, a Friesian horse, not a horse that is too common to ride in the rodeo,” The announcer informs. “While not too common, his record has proven him worthy to be here.”

“That reminds me. How does he have a record if it has been decades since he has competed, Lorcan?”

The Void takes the spot next to me, leaning his elbows against the rails.

“You need to remember Kentucky is a lot older than everyone here. He’s had to forge documents before, so this event was easy.

Well, I forged them, then I signed him up, but he knows how.

He did have to mystify a few people when he got here, but no questions will be asked of him.

He doesn’t use any of his abilities out there.

Neither does Romeo. They play at the same level as all the others.

If he wins, he always donates his earnings.

He never feels right about keeping them. ”

The chute opens, which ends our conversation. I couldn’t care less what he has to say. Romeo launches forward, his long legs eating up the distance between them and the barrels.

I jump, clap, and shout. I can’t seem to stay still. “Go, Kentucky, go! Let’s go, Romeo! Woooo!” I scream by cupping my hands around my mouth, hoping he can hear me over all the other spectators in the crowd cheering him on.

Romeo is quick and agile, keeping the turns around the barrels tight and clean. Kentucky holds the reins with one hand, keeping the other free. Kentucky and Romeo together seem effortless. They have done this hundreds of times. There’s no doubt that they make the perfect team.

They round the last barrel, bolting to the finish line with a time of seventeen seconds flat.

“Yes! Oh my god, that was phenomenal! They were so fast. Is that a good time? That has to be, right?”

I scream as loud as I can, capturing Romeo and Kentucky’s attention.

I blow them kisses, waves, and jump with so much excitement, I’m ready to hop over these rails and run to them myself.

Something about Kentucky in his black coat, black shirt, jeans, and hat.

I want him to wear this exact outfit later and use me to the point where I fall unconscious, hopefully from his bite.

“No one will be able to touch them. Eighteen seconds for barrel racing is pretty standard, so I don’t see anyone else beating their time.”

The eerie sensation is back, sucking all the joy and excitement from the moment.

I search for the reason for my paranoia again by scanning the bleachers up and down, left to right.

Most people are taking the time to go to the concession stands between competitors.

The lines are long. People are waiting for the best BBQ in town.

The food truck is to the left of the concession stands, painted a bright red.

It’s who is on top of that truck in a crouched position who draws my attention. He has a smirk on his face. He points at me, slashing his finger across his throat.

It’s Louisville.

I’d know that evil curl of his lip from anywhere.

The validation of fear has me tugging on Lorcan’s arm. “Lorcan! Lorcan, it’s him. That’s the vampire who kidnapped me.”

“Where? Who?” He straightens, readying himself for a fight.

“At the red truck. He’s on top of it. He’s right there.” I spin to see him again, my heart in my throat, and terror in my bones. Everything is telling me to run, but I know the safest place I can be is here with Lorcan, Kentucky, and Romeo.

“There’s no one there, Dru. You’re sure you saw him?”

I flinch, rearing back as if he slapped me across the face.

The sting of his doubt is fresh. Being doubted by someone you thought trusted you is a new kind of disappointment.

This is why I stayed focused my entire life and didn’t get distracted by friends.

I didn’t have time for anyone doubting me then, and I sure as fuck don’t have time for anyone to doubt me now.

I don’t care if Lorcan could kill me with a snap of his fingers.

“Of course, I saw him! I can’t believe you’re asking me that.

Do you really think I’d imagine him in a place like this?

He’s here. I feel him. I felt him earlier.

You know that sensation of someone watching you?

It was him. Lorcan, please.” I dig my nails into his arm, pleading with him to help me.

Tears brim in my eyes. “I can’t be the only one fighting for my life.

I won’t win this fight without you or Kentucky. ”

“Stay here. I’m going to go tell Kentucky. We’re getting out of here.”

“Wait, but the competition. He’s doing so well.”

“When it comes to you, he won’t give a fuck about this rodeo, Dru. Your safety means the world to him. I promised him I’d protect you while we were here. I’m going to keep that promise, okay? You aren’t alone.”

“Don’t leave,” I plead, breaking the skin of his arm, and he begins to bleed smoke. The dancing clouds swirl from the small cuts. “Don’t leave me alone. We’re better off staying together. He probably wants you to find Kentucky, so he can make his move.”

“Okay, you’re right. You’ve made a good point. I won’t leave you. I promise.”

I press my head against his shoulder, wondering if this is what it is like to have a brother. Growing up as an only child, having siblings was out of the question. My father never wanted to remarry or have more children after my mom died. I grew used to the idea of being alone.

Then, I met Carmen.

And now, I have Kentucky, Romeo, and Lorcan.

“Our favorite events are coming up! Prepare yourself for the Roughstock events! We have saddle bronc, bareback, and bull riding. These are some of the most dangerous events. Cowboys have been killed or severely injured by trying to stay on for the wild and untamed eight-second ride. Hold your breaths and keep your hopes high that everyone comes out of this unharmed,” The announcer’s voice is monotone and would put me to sleep if I wasn’t wired from Louisville being here.

I keep my eyes set on the red BBQ truck, waiting for him to make his return.

This night has turned into a competition for survival.

I’ve beaten him once, and to do it again would be a miracle.